User Research Planning
User Research Planning is the strategic groundwork needed for understanding users and their requirements. This involves determining the research's scope, determining routine methods, structuring timelines, and outlining potential outcomes for a Service Design/UX project. Effective planning ensures impactful, user-centric results and influences design choices, optimizing user experience.
Foundational
At a foundational level you are able to support basic user research planning by following set instructions and using provided templates. You help organize simple research activities and contribute to shaping timelines or checklists under close guidance. Your contribution ensures the team begins understanding user needs in a structured, consistent way.
Developing
At a developing level you are able to contribute to planning user research by following established methods and supporting the creation of timelines, project scopes, and expected outcomes. You work with guidance from others, helping to ensure research activities are clear and practical for Service Design or UX projects. Your input supports the team to deliver more focused and meaningful user insights.
Proficient
At a proficient level you are able to independently plan user research for Service Design or UX projects, selecting suitable methods and defining clear objectives for the team. You create detailed schedules and align research activities with project goals, making sure user needs shape design decisions. Your planning consistently leads to valuable insights and better user experiences.
Advanced
At an advanced level you are designing comprehensive research plans that anticipate complex project needs and adapt methods to the unique demands of Service Design and UX. You guide teams in balancing resources, timelines, and ethical considerations to align with business and user goals. Your planning shapes impactful research that drives confident, user-focused design decisions across large or multi-faceted projects.
Expert
At an expert level you are leading complex user research planning across multiple projects, setting clear research goals and turning them into effective strategies that guide teams. You anticipate challenges, adapt methods, and share best practice to lift others’ skills. Your approach shapes organization-wide design decisions, ensuring every outcome is relevant and user-focused.
